We have a deep dive into materials engineering and corrosion this time around! 

In part 1 of our interview, we welcome Bill Valerioti, a semi-retired petrochemicals and chemical industry SME. From his early days in chemical engineering to finding his passion for materials engineering and corrosion – Bill shares insight into his passion for materials failure analysis, mechanical integrity, and chemical plant operations. Bill also emphasizes the importance of effective communication, mentorship, understanding process operations, and continuous learning in the field. His contributions have spanned various roles, including materials engineer, maintenance superintendent, and operations superintendent, offering a comprehensive view of the industry's evolution and challenges.

If you work in mechanical integrity or engineering, this episode is a must-listen. Part 2 of our conversation with Bill Valerioti will be published on November 13 – subscribe today!

01:12 Bill Val's Educational Journey

02:09 Early Career and Internship Experience

03:18 Professional Growth at Phillips Petroleum

05:10 Transition to Equipment Inspection

08:39 Lessons from Mentorship and Operations

15:07 Importance of Communication and Soft Skills

23:32 Technical Insights and Industry Evolution

29:10 Encouragement for Continuous Learning

35:26 Building Trust and Relationships in Operations

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Episode Acronyms & Abbreviations

API – American Petroleum Institute 

DMR – Damage Mechanism Review

HTHA – High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack

MPC – Materials Properties Council (subsidiary of the WRC)

NACE – National Association of Corrosion Engineers, now known as AMPP (Association for Materials Protection & Performance)  

NDE – Non-destructive Evaluation 

NDT – Non-destructive Testing 

NPC – National Petroleum Council

RBI – Risk-Based Inspection

WRC – Welding Research Council

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Note: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or the Upon Further Inspection podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own qualified advisors for guidance.